A nurse is collecting data on a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is b. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Choice A: Wheezing

Reason: Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or allergic reactions. It is not a common manifestation of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the muscular and cardiovascular systems rather than the respiratory system.

Choice B: Decreased deep tendon reflexes

Reason: Hyperkalemia can cause neuromuscular symptoms, including muscle weakness and decreased deep tendon reflexes. High potassium levels interfere with the normal function of muscle cells and nerves, leading to these symptoms. This is a direct result of the altered action potentials in neurons caused by elevated potassium levels.

Choice C: Hypoactive bowel sounds

Reason: Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with conditions that cause decreased gastrointestinal motility, such as ileus or bowel obstruction. While hyperkalemia can affect muscle function, it is more likely to cause hyperactive bowel sounds due to increased gastrointestinal motility rather than hypoactive sounds.

Choice D: Cerebral edema

Reason: Cerebral edema is swelling of the brain and is not a typical manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or severe infections. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the heart and muscles.

Choice A reason: Flank pain is not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Flank pain is a pain in the side of the abdomen or back, usually caused by kidney problems, such as infection, stones, or injury. Flank pain can be a sign of a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a serious complication that occurs when the donor blood is incompatible with the recipient's blood type.

Choice B reason: Elevated blood pressure is not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Elevated blood pressure is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Elevated blood pressure can be a sign of a hypertensive transfusion reaction, which is a rare complication that occurs when the donor blood has a higher sodium level than the recipient's blood.

Choice C reason: Distended neck veins are not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Distended neck veins are a sign of increased pressure in the right side of the heart or the superior vena cava, which can be caused by heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or obstruction. Distended neck veins can be a sign of a circulatory overload transfusion reaction, which is a complication that occurs when the blood volume or rate of infusion is too high for the recipient's cardiovascular system.

Choice D reason: Wheezing is a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when the airways are narrowed or inflamed, which can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, or chest tightness. Wheezing can be a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction, which is a hypersensitivity response to the donor blood or its components, such as plasma proteins, antibodies, or preservatives. An allergic transfusion reaction can range from mild to severe, and can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine.